Operator licensing in Northern Ireland

How does operator licensing in Northern Ireland work?

The Goods Vehicles (Licensing of Operators) Act (Northern Ireland) 2010 and subordinate legislation introduced important changes to the regulation of goods vehicles in Northern Ireland, including:

establishing own account licensing

improving existing licensing arrangements

improving enforcement

introducing a clear and balanced disciplinary process for all licence holders

Who enforces the new requirements?

The operator licensing functions currently carried out by the Driver and Vehicle Agency (DVA) Northern Ireland have transferred to a newly-formed Transport Regulation Unit (TRU). This unit oversees the application process and the issue of licences and, through an appointed Traffic Regulator, manages the disciplinary elements of the legislation.

Enforcement of the regulations remains with DVA and Police Service of Northern Ireland. From July 2012, approximately 7,800 ‘own account’ operators were brought into scope of operator licensing in Northern Ireland.